Extends the rationale for integrating handicapped with nonhandicapped children to include the mainstreaming of infants in group care programs. (RH)

The research concerning relative and independent influences of family and peers upon adolescent drug use is reviewed. As concern regarding adolescent drug use has grown, so has the research to explain this behavior. A summary of research findings and specific suggestions for future research are made. (Author/DWH)

Results suggest that the age composition of peer groups influences the performance of peer-modeled information, thus providing an indication that imitation of peers is a selective process influenced by the relative age of the model to the observer. Data also suggest that observational learning is a complex process involving considerable…

Effect of peer presence on the sex-typed toy choices of three and four year olds (N=62) was investigated in a repeated measures experimental design. (MP)

Five-year follow-up study of recidivism of male graduates from adult boot camp examined the competing theories in predicting recidivism among these males. Findings indicated that elements of social learning theory are among the strongest predictors of recidivism. Differential peer association and normative definitions are the two top predictors.…

Incivility by teachers can turn into behavior that injures careers. Workplace "mobbing" or bullying begins when an individual becomes the target of disrespectful and harmful behavior. Recounts experiences of two teachers. Offers suggestions to school leaders to stop this incivility. (MLF)

Analyzed smoking behavior and peer group patterns among 1,689 eighth graders. Found that peer groups were crucially important in initiation of smoking among young adolescents, particularly females. Patterns of indirect peer influence on girls suggest that girls are less likely to stop smoking once they have begun than are boys. (Author/NB)

A total of 32 adult-child and peer dyads involving children of 9-10 years participated in an errand-planning task to see whether children who worked with adults gained from adults' expertise. Adult-child dyads explored a map more frequently, planned longer sequences of moves, and verbalized more planning strategies than did peer dyads. (RH)

Examined impact of assertion training on college students' ability to resist peer influence. The findings showed that 20 college students who had received assertion training were significantly more assertive and less conforming at posttest than were 20 students in a placebo control group. (Author/NB)

Surveyed 40 adolescent inpatients concerning peer influences, substance abuse, and treatment. Found that misconduct, including substance abuse, was predicted best by perceived peer pressure toward misconduct, low opinions of value of treatment by disposition to conform to antisocial peers, and sense of stigma associated with being treated by…

Examined late adolescents who drop out of church and others who remain committed to it. Survey of Seventh-day Adventist youth found commitment related to cognitive, experiential, and activity dimensions of religion. Ethical considerations, perception of one's importance to local congregation, and peer influence also played part in stepwise…

Three experiments examined peer imitation with 14- to 18-month-old infants in laboratory, home, and day-care settings. After a delay, infants imitated actions performed by trained peers. Found that infants' recall of peers' actions was lower for infants imitating actions at home after a two-day delay than for infants imitating actions in the…

Presents findings regarding human and vicarious influences in the lives of members of the North American Association for Environmental Education. Provides excerpts from 34 statements to illustrate the variety and richness of their narratives. (Author/CCM)

Describes the relationship between personal and perceived opposite-sex peer expectations and drinking behavior. As compared to themselves, participants believed that their opposite-sex best friend had greater expectations for the effects of alcohol. Perceived peer expectancies added to the prediction of self-reported drinking beyond that which is…

Examines gender differences in adolescents' (N=39) behavior during conflict resolution tasks with their best friends and differences in descriptions of those friendships. Results show that females were rated lower in withdrawal and higher in communication skills and support validation while males rated higher in conflict. (MKA)